CFA has declared that the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 1.00am on 4 November, 2013 for the following municipalities.
• Mildura Rural City Council
• Swan Hill Rural City Council
• Yarriambiack Shire Council, north of the line described as the Galaquil West Road and Galaquil East Road. [Formerly known as The Wire Netting Fence]
During the Fire Danger Period fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.
Fire Danger Period restrictions: the details
• Fires in the open air are legally restricted when a FDP is declared in a municipality by CFA. A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation. This permit is issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. All burn-offs should be registered with the VicFire Burn-off notification line on 1800 668 511 as part of the permit conditions.
• Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $17,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must: be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (i.e. metal, stone or concrete), not be used in strong winds (less than or equal to 10km per hour), be clear of all flammable material for 3m from the outer perimeter and be supervised at all times by a person who has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire. (details in Can I or Can’t I?).
• The use of: an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment, vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided guidelines are followed (details in Can I or Can’t I?).
• CFA's On the Land: Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines provides practical fire management advice for people living and working on rural properties and is particularly useful to those new to farming. To view and/or download the guidelines, go to the CFA website.
Author: CFA Media